In a recent excerpt from his memoir, Ed Zwick, the acclaimed director behind films like Blood Diamond, opened up about his experience working with the legendary Brad Pitt on the 1994 film Legends of the Fall. The memoir, titled Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood, offers readers an inside look into Zwick's lengthy career and the ups and downs of working in the film industry.
Zwick revealed that Legends of the Fall faced uncertainty after Tom Cruise, initially set to play the lead role of Tristan Ludlow, dropped out due to concerns about the character's ethics. However, Zwick remained optimistic and continued the search for the perfect actor, which ultimately led him to Brad Pitt. After meeting with Pitt, Zwick noticed that he had a genuine passion for the script and a strong connection to the character. Pitt's upbringing in rural Missouri, where he had encountered individuals similar to Tristan, resonated with him deeply. This realization convinced Zwick that he had found his ideal actor and fueled his determination to bring the project to fruition.
However, things took a turn after a table read. According to Zwick, Pitt's feelings towards the film shifted, prompting his agent to contact the studio and express Pitt's desire to leave the project. Producer Marshall Herskovitz stepped in and managed to persuade Pitt to stay, preventing what could have been a major setback for the film. Zwick noted that this incident was a glimpse into the intense emotions brewing within Pitt, who could be volatile when pushed.
As filming began, additional challenges arose, such as overspending on costumes by a million dollars. Zwick observed that Pitt's anxiety about the film persisted throughout the production process. The director delved into instances where he and Pitt clashed over the character, recounting one particular incident where he publicly directed Pitt in front of the crew, leading to a heated exchange between the two. Zwick admitted that he might have been pushing Pitt beyond his comfort zone, provoking the actor's resistance. The intense argument escalated to the point where the crew discreetly disappeared from the set.
While their disagreements were notable, Zwick emphasized that they never took anything personally. Pitt, described as forthright, straightforward, and fun to be around, remained fully committed to delivering his best performance despite the challenges. Zwick concluded that he and Pitt would always make amends after each blowup, further highlighting that their clashes were driven purely by their dedication to creating the best possible film.
The excerpt ends with Zwick's acknowledgment of Pitt's professionalism and joyous nature. It's worth noting that no personal animosity existed between them, and they were able to navigate their differences to achieve shared creative goals.
As of now, Brad Pitt's representatives have not provided any comment on these revelations. Nevertheless, Zwick's candid recollections offer a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the complexities that can arise when renowned actors and directors collaborate on a high-profile film.
